NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense Official Statement on AUKUS Pillar 2 and Exercise Maritime Big Play

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The following statement can be attributed to Ms. Madeline Mortelmans who is currently performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities. Her office is lead for both pillars of AUKUS within the department and is in close partnership with all of the DOD stakeholders.

    “Secretary Austin has said several times in the past that our alliances and partnerships are our greatest global strategic advantage. Specifically, AUKUS presents a unique opportunity for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to foster a more capable, more combined force of the future. And in so doing, we will strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

    Through AUKUS, we are working across the full spectrum of capability development, generating requirements, co-developing new systems, deepening industrial based collaboration and ultimately delivering advanced capabilities to our forces. AUKUS Pillar 1 focuses these co-development efforts on delivering an advanced nuclear power submarine capability through the optimal pathway.

    Pillar 2 focuses on the development and delivery of emerging technology. AUKUS Pillar 2 is designed to harness the combined industrial and innovation bases of the tri-lateral partners to ensure that our forces are equipped with cutting edge interoperable military capabilities and prepared to face down aggression in whatever form it may take.

    In Pillar 2, we’re building a more capable combined joint force for the future, working across the full spectrum of capability development and we’re already delivering. This year, we’re advancing our undersea warfare capabilities by expanding our ability to launch and recover uncrewed underwater systems from torpedo tubes on current classes of British and US submarines, that will increase the range and capability of our undersea forces.

    We’re integrating the Stingray lightweight torpedo into the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, which will support our forces in being more interchangeable while providing resilience to munitions stockpiles across AUKUS nations. At the same time, we’re also implementing a fundamental shift to more closely integrate our systems and break down barriers to collaboration at every stage and in every part of our systems.

    We’ve welcomed collaboration with the International Joint Requirements Oversight Council or I-JROC, a critical collaborative forum to identify and validate joint and combined requirements. The I-JROC will ensure that we have prioritized combined and joint solutions from the very start and that the capabilities we develop under Pillar 2 address some of the most pressing challenges our forces face.

    A cornerstone of AUKUS Pillar 2 remains the opportunity to leverage the best of our defense industrial bases in combined innovation communities. This year we executed the first office innovation challenge focused on electronic warfare. We announced the winners last month and our teams are working to develop a robust two-year plan to increase the collaboration between and among our innovation centers of excellence.

    By the end of the year, we’ll have convened meetings with the Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum in each country. Engagements provide an opportunity for representatives across government and industry to exchange ideas and deepen industrial based collaboration.

    This week we’re here in Jervis Bay to observe the Maritime Big Play, which is an important demonstration of AUKUS in action. The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises aimed at enhancing capability development, improving interoperability and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. These experiments address the need to expand the reach, capability and capacity of our forces in the maritime environment through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

    Over the past several weeks, we’ve been testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, to share and process maritime data from all three nations, and to provide real time maritime domain awareness to support decision making. The Maritime Big Play allows AUKUS partners to practice fielding and maintaining thousands of uncrewed systems, gaining valuable experience operating in coalitions to solve realistic operational problems such as improving undersea situational awareness.

    Our work will inform AUKUS partners’ understanding of how crewed and uncrewed capabilities can be integrated to get an operational advantage, and where we can achieve cost savings and improved efficiencies in acquisition, maintenance and sustainment activities.

    Maritime Big Play isn’t just a demonstration for demonstration’s sake. It’s our goal to transition cutting edge technologies into capabilities that give our forces decisive advantage as quickly as we can. This year, Japan joined the Maritime Big Play as an observer. We look forward to deepening their participation in the coming years. All of this together underpins a more strategic approach to ensure that AUKUS and like-minded partners can operate new autonomous uncrewed systems more effectively as a coalition force from the start.

    This is only the first in our series of experiments and demonstrations. Over time, Maritime Big Play will grow and evolve to reflect the emerging technologies, new systems and new operational requirements. I want to emphasize that AUKUS is dynamic. It will grow, it will evolve as the world changes around us, and as we break down the old barriers to cooperation and inevitably discover new ones.

    AUKUS is building a foundation for deep defense industrial cooperation and delivering advanced capabilities that can and will ensure our defense forces succeed in enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific alongside UK and Australia partners both now and in the years ahead. Thank you.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: US, Australian Naval Forces Conduct Bilateral Operations

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    STRAIT OF MALACCA  –  

    The U.S. Navy (USN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted bilateral operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the Strait of Malacca, Oct. 20-23.

    Participating ships included the USN Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and the RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153). The two ships took part in exercise Malabar 2024 earlier in October.

    “This exercise further builds on our existing interoperability and combined readiness we have with the Royal Australian Navy,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Every time we operate together, we strengthen our capabilities and shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

    Over four days, the ships engaged in a formation sailing exercise, an air defense exercise, maritime communications training, personnel cross-decks and visit, board, search and seizure drills.

    “Conducting a joint sail with USS Dewey has been of great value, with multiple different activities conducted between the ships, including personnel exchange, boarding practices, manoeuvring in close company, and warfare drills,” said Cmdr. Warren Bechly, commanding officer, HMAS Stuart. “Whether it is large scale exercises, or ships in transit between the same ports, working with our allies and partners is always a valuable opportunity to build closer ties and enhance interoperability.”

    The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order.

    Bilateral operations such as this one provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

    Dewey is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘Maritime Big Play’ in Pacific Demonstrates AUKUS Partner Compatibility

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    This month Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. — all members of the AUKUS trilateral partnership — participated in “Maritime Big Play,” a series of integrated experiments and exercises held in the Indo-Pacific region, meant to enhance capability development and improve interoperability between the partners. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints members to Hospital Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (October 25) the appointment of two new members to the Hospital Authority (HA) and the reappointment of six serving members.

         The two new members, Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung and Professor Janet Wong Yuen-ha, will be appointed for a period of two years from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2026.  

         Ms Hui is a practising solicitor in Hong Kong. She is the Chairperson of the Liquor Licensing Board, a member of the Council of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a member of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council.

         Professor Wong is the Dean and Professor of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University. She is also a member of the Hospital Governing Committee of North Lantau Hospital and a member of the Education Committee of the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.

         Among the serving members reappointed, Professor David Shum Ho-keung continues to serve as an HA member in his capacity of the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for a period of two years from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026. The other five serving members, namely Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei, Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu ka-wai, Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, Mr Anthony Tsang Hin-fun and Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, will be reappointed for a period of two years from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2026.

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, welcomed the two new members to the HA. He also expressed gratitude to the six serving members reappointed and extended heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members, Mr Ambrose Ho and Professor Agnes Tiwari Fung-yee, for their invaluable contribution to the HA.  

         The HA comprises a Chairman, 23 non-official members, three public officers and one principal officer from the HA. The membership list to be effective from December 1, 2024, is as follows:

    Chairman:
    Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling

    Non-official Members:
    Mr Lawrence Chan Man-yiu
    Professor Chan Wai-yee
    Mr Chan Wing-kai
    Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching 
    Mr Duncan Chiu
    Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan
    Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei 
    Ms Maisy Ho Chiu-ha
    Ms Mary Huen Wai-yi
    Mr Jat Sew-tong
    Mr Matthew Kwok Pui-ho
    Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu ka-wai
    Professor Lau Chak-sing
    Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung
    Professor David Shum Ho-keung 
    Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai
    Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung
    Mr Anthony Tsang Hin-fun
    Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai
    Mr Wan Man-yee
    Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo
    Professor Janet Wong Yuen-ha
    Professor Zhang Zhang-jin

    Public Officers:
    Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan
    Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam
    Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) Ms Ann Chan

    HA Principal Officer:
    Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Proposed extension of Ho Chau Road and road improvement works at junction of Castle Peak Road – Tam Mi and Nam Sang Wai Road in Yuen Long gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government gazetted today (October 25) the proposed extension of Ho Chau Road and road improvement works at the junction of Castle Peak Road – Tam Mi and Nam Sang Wai Road in Yuen Long to cater for the future development at Tung Shing Lei.
          
         Details of the proposal are set out in the Annex. The plans and scheme of the works are available for public inspection at the following government offices during office hours:
     
    Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
    G/F, Harbour Building,
    38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong
         
    Yuen Long Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
    G/F, Yuen Long District Office Building,
    269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long, New Territories
     
    District Lands Office, Yuen Long,
    9/F, Yuen Long Government Offices,
    2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, New Territories
          
         The gazette notice, scheme, plans and location plan are available at www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/publications/transport/gazette/gazette.html.
     
         Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, is required to address to the Secretary for Transport and Logistics an objection in writing, which can be submitted via the following means:
     

    By post or by hand to the Transport and Logistics Bureau’s Drop-in Box No. 6 located at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong. The box is available for use between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays);
    By fax to 2868 4643; or
    By email to gazettetlb@tlb.gov.hk.

         A notice of objection should describe the objector’s interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Logistics not later than December 24, 2024.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 6-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction under LAF on October 25, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on October 25, 2024, Friday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 25,000 6 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM October 31, 2024
    (Thursday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction will be same as given in Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2021-2022/1572 dated January 20, 2022.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1367

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Media Statement The 11th Meeting of The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA)

    Source: ASEAN

    The Eleventh ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) Meeting and the AMCA Meetings with Dialogue Partners, including the ASEAN Plus Three,China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, were held on 24 October 2024, in Melaka, Malaysia. Timor-Leste was in attendance as observer.The theme of the 11th AMCA was “Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Unity in Diversity” underlined the pivotal role of culture and the arts in promoting sustainableand inclusive development towards strengthening ASEAN’s solidarity.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Joint Media Statement The 11th Meeting of The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sydney’s beloved Footbridge Theatre launched some of our biggest stars. After nearly 20 years, it’s making a grand return

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Ginters, Associate Professor, Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Sydney

    The Footbridge Theatre in the 1960s, when it was known as the Union Theatre. University of Sydney Archives

    After nearly 20 years as a lecture theatre, the University of Sydney’s Footbridge Theatre is reopening as a live performance venue in the university’s arts precinct.

    The Footbridge is home to a long history of student theatre on campus. When it opened in 1961 as the 655-seat Union Theatre (replacing the old Union Hall) it was the first theatre to have been built in Sydney in more than 20 years.

    Hopes were high for the new venture to be shared by student theatre groups and Sydney’s first professional repertory company, the Union Repertory Theatre Company (not to be confused with the Melbourne Theatre Company’s original name, the Union Theatre Repertory Company).

    For decades, the Footbridge Theatre was host to both industry heavyweights and budding talent from across the arts sectors, before being converted to a lecture hall in 2006. Now, it’s back.

    Hitting the ground running

    The theatre opened with productions from the Sydney University Musical Society, including Claudio Monteverdi’s ballet Il Ballo Delle Ingrate and Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas.

    Also on show was the Sydney University Theatre Council’s Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance, starring John Bell in the title role. Ken Horler, with whom Bell founded the famous Nimrod Theatre a decade later, co-directed the play with May Hollinworth, who ran the university’s Dramatic Society in the 1920s and ’30s. The production also featured John Gaden, Bob Ellis, Bruce Beresford, Richard Brennan and Mungo MacCallum.

    The following year, Horler directed Coriolanus, with Bell in the title role and Gaden and Arthur Dignam in the cast.

    John Bell and Arthur Dignam in Coriolanus.
    University of Sydney

    Horler would go on to direct the first Australian production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage in 1963. The cast included Germaine Greer as Mother Courage, Peter Carroll and Ron Blair.

    Bell also acted in and directed a number of shows in the following years. He returned again in the early 1990s to stage a series of productions with his fledgling Bell Shakespeare company.

    Peter Carroll, Germaine Greer, Maree D’Arcy, Ron Blair and Paul Thom in Mother Courage.
    University of Sydney

    A smidge of controversy

    The university students of the 1960s had been delighted to have their “own” venue after years of makeshift spaces. They produced some adventurous – as well as some scandalous – works.

    When the Dramatic Society staged its Revue of the Absurd in 1963, it included a controversial film by the then-nascent filmmakers Bruce Beresford and Albie Thoms. It Droppeth as the Gentle Rain depicted a cocktail party coming to a sticky end as shit rained down from the sky.

    The film was promptly banned. This ban was reinstated the following year when Beresford and Thoms sought to show it at a gala commemorating the Dramatic Society’s 75th birthday.

    Bruce Beresford and Albie Thoms’ film, It Droppeth as the Gentle Rain, was banned in 1963 – and again the following year.
    University of Sydney

    Student revues were a popular feature of the theatre in its early years. One of these was the 1964 revue called Jump, which starred Colin Anderson, Germaine Greer, John Gaden and Paul Thom.

    The revue Jump featured Paul Thom and John Gaden (left), as well as Colin Anderson and Germaine Greer (right).
    University of Sydney

    The Union Repertory Theatre Company was short-lived, collapsing within 12 months of its launch in 1961.

    Also, ironically, the Footbridge was too expensive for students to hire often. Nonetheless, it was still a launching pad for those involved in student theatre, including Henry Szeps (who later acted in the 1984–94 series Mother and Son), Jack Thompson, who played Claudius in a production of Hamlet (1969), and Neil Armfield in Much Ado About Nothing (1974).

    Fellow student actor and director David Marr would later acknowledge Armfield’s genius as a director, while diplomatically adding “acting was not his strength”.

    A poster designed by Martin Sharp for the 1965 revue First, No Pinky.
    University of Sydney

    What’s in a name?

    The Union Theatre was a venue for hire throughout the 1970s, with student theatre, concerts, music theatre, French language theatre and other genres sporadically staged. In 1981, it was renamed the Footbridge Theatre (after a footbridge that was constructed over Parramatta Road in 1972).

    For two decades from the mid-1980s, the Gordon Frost Organisation leased the theatre to present a number of popular commercial productions.

    It also rented the theatre to other companies, including Bell Shakespeare, the Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre and Sydney Festival, which programmed outstanding international works such as the Irish Druid Theatre’s 1998 production of The Leenane Trilogy.

    The 1990s also saw students back onstage in annual faculty revues.

    The next act begins

    A squeeze on space at the university led to Footbridge’s conversion to a lecture theatre in 2006. Following extensive renovations, the now 300-seat theatre is opening once again, with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

    The university’s Dramatic Society first produced Into the Woods in the early 2000s (starring Virginia Gay). The Sydney University Musical Theatre Ensemble (MUSE) staged it again in 2011.

    This time around the production is showcasing the talents of the inaugural cohort of music theatre students from the university’s Conservatorium of Music.

    Just as it was for the “Johns” (Bell and Gaden) who, in the early 1960s, took their first steps as student actors into their future careers – and are still going strong six decades later – campus theatres remain vitally important for students finding their feet as the artists of the future.

    Now, in a new decade and with a new generation of students, it’s time to go into the woods again.

    Laura Ginters and Robyn Dalton co-authored a history of drama activities at the University of Sydney, The Ripples Before The New Wave 1957-1963 (2018). The authors interviewed many of the student actors mentioned here for that book.

    – ref. Sydney’s beloved Footbridge Theatre launched some of our biggest stars. After nearly 20 years, it’s making a grand return – https://theconversation.com/sydneys-beloved-footbridge-theatre-launched-some-of-our-biggest-stars-after-nearly-20-years-its-making-a-grand-return-241561

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mobile phone detection cameras making their mark

    Source: South Australia Police

    A one-month report on the state’s new mobile phone detection camera expiations has shown drivers are hearing South Australia Police’s (SAPOL) call to stop illegal mobile phone use behind the wheel.

    For the first month of enforcement, from 19 September 2024 to 18 October 2024,the ratio of expiation notices being issued has averaged 0.23 per cent compared to 0.42 per cent for the last 30 days of the three-month warning period.

    However, 10,319 vehicles or 0.23 per cent of total vehicle volume (4,507,577) across the five metropolitan camera locations still received an expiation notice over the month period.

    Disappointingly, 80 vehicles were also detected four or more times, meaning 80 drivers may potentially lose their licenses.

    Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Darren Fielke, said the data suggests new penalties from mobile phone camera detections have helped land the message for phone-wielding drivers to change their behaviour.

    “SA Police began issuing a penalty of $556 plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points from offences detected by mobile phone detection cameras a little over a month ago,” he said.

    “After much education and a three-month grace period, declining averages of offences show most habitual mobile phone offenders have finally put their phones down or have been taken off the road after too many demerit point deductions.

    “We recently reported in only the first week, 2544 motorists were detected, and we hope these people have learned an important lesson.

    “The goal for mobile phone detection cameras in SA is to make roads safer by changing road user behaviour, and recent data certainly indicates people are thinking twice now.”

    One-month expiation data shows of the 10,319 expiations issued, 2816 were detected at North South Motorway, Regency Park, 2396 at South Road, Torrensville, 2157 at Southern Expressway, Darlington, 1991 at Port Road, Hindmarsh and 959 at Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross.

    South Road, Torrensville was again identified as having the highest percentage of expiations sent considering vehicle volume, and Southern Expressway, Darlington the lowest.

    Reviewed by a trained SAPOL adjudicator, of the 10,526 potential incidents, 10,319 or 98.03 per cent received an expiation notice.

    Of the 80 vehicles (registered owners) receiving expiation notices for four or more detections: one will be issued with 15 expiation notices, one will be issued with 11 expiation notices, one will be issued with 10 expiation notices, three will be issued with nine expiation notices, three will be issued with eight expiation notices, two will be issued with seven expiation notices, 10 will be issued with six expiation notices, 13 will be issued with five expiation notices, and 46 will be issued with four expiation notices.

    “Unfortunately, these numbers show that we still have some drivers out there that are not heeding the message and placing themselves and other road users at risk,” Superintendent Fielke added.

    “These drivers will pay a high price financially and will lose their licence. We can only hope that is all that is lost, and it is not a life lost due to their irresponsible behaviour.”

    Mobile phone detection cameras are in place across five high-risk locations, monitoring 13 lanes. All five locations have warning signs installed. Two other camera locations are currently being considered and expected to be installed in early 2025.

    Visit Think! Road Safety for further information about mobile phone detection cameras.

    Distracted Driving Statistics for 19 September 2024 to 18 October 2024 Inclusive

    Vehicle Volume

    Total Incidents
    (Potential Offences)

    Expiation Notices Sent

    % Expiation Notices Sent

    % Expiation Notices

    4,507,577

    10,526

    10,319

    0.23%

    98.03%

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fall in love with camping at one of Auckland’s regional parks

    Source: Auckland Council

    Epic views, great camping options at affordable prices, and taking in the outdoors in all its glory – sound like a dream?  Make it your reality at any one of Auckland’s 28 regional parks, boasting over 30 campgrounds between them! That’s right, an outdoor adventure is calling, and it’s here in Auckland’s backyard! 

    The beauty of camping in Auckland is the accessibility – you don’t have to travel too far. Plus, with fees starting at $17 per night for adults and $6.50 for children at our main campgrounds, Auckland camping is an affordable way to holiday at some of our region’s most scenic locations. 

    Whether you’re a freedom camper, a glamper or a total camping newbie – we’ve got you covered. Your next Auckland-based outdoor adventure awaits – so get booking now! 

    I’m keen – where do I start? 

    It’s easy as, all you have to do is choose your preferred spot from the list of regional parks on Auckland Council’s website. Are you looking for a coastal, farm or forest experience? Each campsite listing contains photos of the park, and you can click through to specific photos and information about the different types of camping available.

    To make it even simpler, the camping booking site includes a calendar showing availability so you can instantly see dates to choose from. You’ll also find a handy park brochure with a map, information about tracks, interesting features in the area, and important alerts. For most campgrounds you can drive right up to your selected camping area, so you don’t have to lug your gear long distances. However, be aware some campgrounds take a bit more effort to reach, such as the Mita Bay campground at Mahurangi Regional Park (West), which is accessible by foot, and the campground at Waitawa Regional Park, which can only be accessed by sea kayak. Remember to check the access prior to booking to understand the location of the campground. 

    Be an early bird and book ahead 

    All our regional parks are precious taonga, each with their own unique features, but over the summer some are busier than others and get booked out quickly. Fortunately, regional park campsites can be booked up to six months in advance, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone and book your spot as soon as you can so you don’t miss out!

    The booking calendar for each campground also shows how many spaces are available, which is handy if you’re planning on camping with a larger group (note there are some group size limits over the summer). And you can book up to seven glorious nights. If your plans change, no worries! You can make unlimited amendments to your booking, or cancel (with a full refund), up to two days before the date of your arrival. 

    Before you leave home 

    When you book your stay at a regional park campground, you’ll be emailed instructions including a combination code to get through the gate into the campground. Make sure you note it down on your phone or on a piece of paper before you leave in case mobile reception is patchy at your destination. 

    Make sure you note down the combination code of your campground before leaving home

    The main access gates for regional parks are locked overnight (daylight saving hours are generally 6am-9pm, and 6am-7pm for the rest of the year), so if you’re arriving in the evening, be sure to take note of the closing hours so you don’t end up carting your gear to the campground by foot. When staying, remember if you need to pop out for supplies, the access code will not open the main park gate. 

    Choose your camping experience – from rugged to glamping 

    If you’re up for a truly outdoors camping experience, many of Auckland’s regional parks supply only the bare basics – including the classic kiwi long drop! Be sure to read up on the facilities available at specific campgrounds, so you can choose the camping style that best suits your needs.  

    All campgrounds have drinkable water available (although sometimes you will need to boil it first), but many of the campsites at regional parks don’t have flushable toilets or shower blocks. These rugged campgrounds are a lot more spacious and less populated than commercial campgrounds, offering a truly remote outdoors experience. If that’s a step too far though for you or your fellow camping newbies, Shakespear Regional Park has flushable toilets and two cold showers onsite. 

    If camping in comfort is more your thing, many of the vehicle-based campgrounds allow campervan and caravans as well but check the rules before booking. Or bypass the regional park entirely and stay in a fully furnished glamping tent at either Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, Whangateau Holiday Park or Martins Bay Holiday Park.

    Do your research on the park so you pack the right gear

    Make sure you read up on prime leisure activities at your location. For example, if you’re heading to a great surf beach like Omaha Beach, the kids will want boogie boards for catching waves and riding down the campground’s famous hill, and you’ll all want beach shoes for rock pooling.

    While it is possible to fish at some regional parks, it’s strictly prohibited at parks that are also marine reserves. Some parks have access to extensive walking and mountain-bike tracks, golf and disc golf courses and did we mention the birdlife? Also, don’t forget your book from Auckland Libraries for some relaxing reading in the sun. 

    Be a tidy Kiwi 

    When you arrive at your site, be sure to follow the rules. Stay off sign-posted wahi tapu areas (sites which are sacred to Māori), and steer clear of restricted conservation areas where birds may be nesting. 

    Remember that lighting open fires is prohibited across all public areas in the Auckland region, and that noise must be kept to a minimum in regional parks after 9pm. 

    Also please dispose of all your rubbish correctly in the designated bins if available or take your rubbish home with you. 

    So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure awaits! 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Proposed sewerage works for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing developments on Ma On Shan Tsuen Road authorised

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Proposed sewerage works for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing developments on Ma On Shan Tsuen Road authorised
    Proposed sewerage works for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing developments on Ma On Shan Tsuen Road authorised
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Chief Executive in Council has authorised the proposed sewerage works for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing developments on Ma On Shan Tsuen Road. The notice was gazetted today (October 25).     The sewerage works comprise the following:      

    construction of about 1 250 metres of gravity sewers and associated manholes; and
    ancillary works including temporary closure and reinstatement of carriageways, footpaths, central median/refuge islands and pedestrian crossings or parts thereof.

         Details of the sewerage works were published in the Government Gazette on December 22, 2023, and December 29, 2023.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECC to launch Carbon Reduction Action on November 1

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ECC to launch Carbon Reduction Action on November 1
    ECC to launch Carbon Reduction Action on November 1
    ****************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:     The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) will officially launch the Carbon Reduction Action next Friday (November 1) to encourage members of the public to change their habits and reduce their carbon footprint by practising low-carbon living in terms of clothing, food, living and travel, with an aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.      Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), the Carbon Reduction Action is organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the ECC, and will be rolled out with support from about 150 strategic and collaboration partners, including public and business organisations, industry groups, non-profit organisations and school sponsoring bodies. Since August of this year, the ECC has been sharing low-carbon living tips related to clothing, food, living and travel through posts and mini-games on the its social media platforms. The upcoming Carbon Reduction Action will further motivate the public to implement what they have learned about carbon reduction in their daily lives. From November 1 until 30, members of the public can enter a lucky draw by sharing their carbon reduction actions regarding clothing, food, living and travel on their personal social media platforms and uploading screenshots to the campaign website with their GREEN$ ID number. Each lucky draw winners will receive two tickets to the “Zero-carbon Concert”, which will be held on January 4, 2025. For more information and terms and conditions of the lucky draw, please visit the campaign website of the Carbon Reduction Action (www.ecc.org.hk/en/publicity/cra.html).      Following the Carbon Neutrality Publicity Campaign launched by the ECC in 2022, the ECC has recently conducted a survey with 1 000 members of the public regarding their understanding of carbon neutrality and their willingness to practise low-carbon living. The survey results showed that over 94 per cent of respondents were aware of carbon neutrality to varying extents, and 96 per cent indicated their willingness to practise low-carbon living in the future. To further encourage the public to turn their intentions into actions, the ECC is launching the Carbon Reduction Action to encourage the public to practise low-carbon living, reduce carbon emissions, and work together to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Busselton Convention and Performing Arts Centre nearing completion

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    A world-class Convention and Performing Arts Centre in Busselton, Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a reality, with construction set to open in mid-2025. 

    Once completed, the centre, to be named ‘Saltwater’ will be a multi-purpose facility used for a variety of creative, cultural, community and business events. 

    Features of the venue include a 640-seat tiered theatre that can be transformed into an open space with a 1000-person standing capacity, perfect for large trade shows and conventions. 

    Equipped with high performance light and sound equipment, the venue is also ideal for concerts and other musical performances. 

    Significant progress on construction has been made to the façade and interior spaces including the foyer, the Saltwater Gallery, the auditorium and back of house areas. 

    Window frames have been installed and glazing is almost complete. Ceilings, internal wall frames and doors are being progressively installed.

    The project has been funded by the City of Busselton with generous contributions from the Australian Government ($12.2 million), Lotterywest and Rio Tinto.

    Saltwater has been named after the Wadandi (Saltwater People), the Traditional Owners of the land (Undalup) on which this new venue is located. 

    The project supported 377 jobs during construction and will create another 15.1 ongoing jobs. 

    For more information visit: www.saltwaterbusselton.com.au  

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “Through our funding for the Saltwater Convention and Performing Arts Centre, the Australian Government is investing in new community facilities including a multi-purpose venue for large performances, conventions and business events.

    “This will result in a fantastic new space for world-class entertainment, national conferences and exhibitions, breathing new life into Busselton’s cultural landscape.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:

    “Saltwater will allow an increase in the amount of live music performances and concerts held in the region, which will boost visitation during both the peak and off-peak tourism periods. 

    “It will bring more visitors to Busselton and will be the jewel in the crown of the Busselton Cultural Precinct.” 

    Quotes attributable to Mayor of Busselton Phill Cronin:

    “Saltwater is nearing completion and the countdown to opening has well and truly commenced.

    “Considerable progress has been made and construction is approximately 70 per cent complete.

    “Looking at the construction site from Queen Street, you can see the venue is really starting to take shape now.

    “Window frames have been installed and glazing is almost complete, which contributes to the sense of anticipation that the venue is rapidly moving into the final stage of construction.

    “When I toured the site recently, I could see that significant progress has been made with internal fit out and finishing in key areas including the multi-functional auditorium.

    “You can imagine yourself sitting in the spacious tiered-seat theatre for a show or visualise the area converted to a flat-floor space for a concert.

    “The auditorium will diversify the range of events we can host in Busselton, as it will provide a large enough venue to attract some of Australia’s finest touring theatre productions and concerts to region for the first time in history.

    “Not only has the City secured a diverse range of exciting shows for Saltwater’s first few years of operation, the venue has also been booked for some large national conferences during the off-peak tourism season.

    “On the second floor, you can picture the conference suite set up for a range of different business events and delegates will enjoy beautiful views of the Foreshore Precinct from the alfresco balcony.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 1st reusable satellite payloads delivered

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Bian Zhigang, deputy head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), speaks at the payloads handover ceremony held by CNSA in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2024. [CNSA/Handout via Xinhua]
    The scientific payloads for space breeding and other sci-tech experiments carried by China’s first reusable and returnable satellite, Shijian-19, were delivered to Chinese and foreign users on Thursday.
    At the payloads handover ceremony held by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in Beijing on Thursday, the CNSA and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation signed payload delivery certificates with domestic and international users, including those from Thailand and Pakistan.
    Bian Zhigang, deputy head of CNSA, said the Shijian-19 mission fully leverages the advantages of the new generation retrievable space experiment platform, conducting space breeding experiments of about 1,000 species of germplasm resources, providing crucial support for the innovation of germplasm resources in China. The mission has also offered a valuable in-orbit validation opportunity for domestically produced components and raw materials.
    According to Meng Lingjie, director of the Earth Observation System and Data Center under the CNSA, the Shijian-19 mission has made a breakthrough in its recovery module. The satellite platform can be reused more than 10 times, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and improving operational efficiency.
    The satellite serves as a space testing platform that enables convenient transportation of payloads between Earth and space, offering high-quality experimental services, said Meng, adding that it has wide-ranging applications in space sci-tech experiments such as space breeding as well as space pharmaceutical and material manufacturing.

    China successfully retrieved its first reusable and returnable test satellite, Shijian-19, at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 10:39 a.m. (Beijing Time), Oct. 11, 2024, said the China National Space Administration (CNSA). [Photo/Xinhua]
    The satellite carried 500 kg of experiment payloads back to Earth, greatly enhancing the capability for payload recovery, according to Meng. It can also provide a high-quality microgravity environment for experiments.
    When the satellite was in orbit, seven new technology experiments were carried out, including microgravity hydrogen production, low-frequency magnetic communications, inflatable sealed cabin and wireless power transmission.
    The satellite also carried nine space science payloads to conduct research in fields such as carbon nanomaterials and devices, solid catalyst materials, and oral and dental science materials.
    According to Liu Luxiang, executive director general of the Institute of Crop Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Shijian-19 mission carried seeds of about 1,800 plant materials and more than 1,000 species of microorganisms, encompassing nearly all major kinds of agricultural products.
    The mission not only provides solid support to China’s space breeding, but also creates a collaboration platform for international counterparts, said Liu, who is also the chief scientist of China’s space breeding project. The satellite carried rice seeds from Thailand, seeds of wheat, rice, corn and beans from Pakistan, as well as crop seeds from other countries.
    “In face of the challenge of global food security, it is necessary to continuously enhance food production, develop new genetic resources that promote nutrition and health, and cultivate new grain varieties that are more resilient to climate change with improved stress tolerance,” Liu said.
    Over the past 30 years, China has developed over 300 crop varieties through its space breeding technologies. These varieties cover an annual cultivation area of about 2 million hectares, with remarkable social and economic benefits, according to Liu.
    The Shijian-19 satellite was sent into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Sept. 27. It returned to Earth on Oct. 11.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global financial community gathers for Sibos 2024 in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows the opening ceremony of the Swift International Banker’s Operation Seminar 2024 (Sibos 2024) in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Swift International Banker’s Operation Seminar 2024 (Sibos 2024) taking place for the first time in Beijing signifies that China is welcoming global financial institutions to participate in the development of the financial industry to contribute to its economic growth by offering professional services.

    This is according to Nicole Zhou, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, who attended the event from Oct. 21-24 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. Zhou said the scale of China’s banking institutions is already very large and they are seeking in the next step to become global financial institutions as they support Chinese firms’ overseas operations. “This process will require the professionalized development of the entire banking industry and a financial system that promotes globalization and interconnectivity.”

    At around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the convention center was still crowded, with its exhibition hall and aisles filled with people from the global financial community discussing business.

    This is the first time Sibos has been held in the Chinese mainland since its inception in 1978. A total of 114 foreign-funded institutions and 19 Chinese-funded institutions participated in the event, including global financial institutions such as J.P. Morgan, Citibank, HSBC, Standard Chartered and Deutsche Bank, as well as financial institutions from emerging markets such as India, the United Arab Emirates and Africa.

    “This is the third time that I attended a Sibos conference. In previous years, it was mostly held in North America and Europe, but this time it is held in Beijing, which not only reflects the rise of China and even Asia’s financial industry but also reflects China’s attitude of embracing the world,” said Zou Xiaonan, head of digital assets, UBS Group Treasury, who flew from London to Beijing for the meeting.

    “DBS benefits from China’s financial liberalization and opening up in multiple ways. First, the financial liberalization and opening up had a significant positive effect on Chinese growth and Chinese integration with the rest of ASEAN, where DBS is active. DBS has sought to capitalize on these trends through our participation in the Cross-border Interbank Payment System, capturing more of the cross-border trade and financing opportunities of Chinese corporations,” said Soon Chong Lim, group head of Global Transaction services at Singapore-based DBS Bank.

    According to Lim, his schedule in Beijing has been very busy. On Tuesday alone, he had already met several dozens of clients at the convention center. Because of the huge gathering, Lim said he couldn’t even book a meeting room and had to talk to clients standing.

    A DBS staff member told Xinhua that DBS Bank took Sibos very seriously and started preparing for it six months ago. As part of its arrangements, the bank offered specially brewed Singaporean coffee and tea at the convention.

    Bill Winters, group CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, who has visited China several times this year, said that China is constantly accelerating the pace of opening up in the financial sector. As the first newly established wholly foreign-owned securities company in China, Standard Chartered Securities China Limited officially commenced its business earlier this year, bringing new opportunities to the group’s business in China.

    Alan Ho, Co-Senior Country Officer for China at J.P. Morgan, said that the pace of China’s financial market opening up has accelerated in recent years. For example, foreign ownership restrictions in local securities, funds and futures companies have been lifted and financial markets’ connectivity mechanisms have been maturing more quickly than expected. “Benefiting from China’s opening up policies, J.P. Morgan now fully owns multiple legal entities in the country, including a locally incorporated bank, a securities company, a futures company and an asset management venture.”

    Apart from traditional financial institutions, fintech companies also benefit from China’s continued financial opening up. On Tuesday, Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments company Thunes launched a payment solution during the Sibos 2024 that aimed to facilitate the payment of foreign nationals in China. The solution will enable overseas e-wallets such as Kenya’s M-Pesa and Singapore’s Singtel Dash to make payments within China by scanning QR codes.

    Thunes CEO Floris de Kort told Xinhua that overseas travelers in China can simply make payments with Thunes function embedded in their e-wallets.

    In 2023, Thunes established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Beijing, which marked important progress in the opening up of the city’s financial sector. “With the continued opening up of the Chinese economy, the cross-border payment industry will also usher in greater opportunities with the increase of payment scenarios,” said de Kort.

    Effie Xin, EY Greater China Financial Services Partner, said that the opening up of the financial sector will help Chinese financial institutions better learn from the advanced experience of global financial institutions. Meanwhile, the connectivity of financial markets can also help promote the status and influence of Chinese currency RMB in cross-border payments, trade and investment, and currency reserves.

    Sibos is the annual conference, exhibition and networking event organized by Swift for the financial industry. Starting out as a banking operations seminar in 1978, it has grown into the premier business forum for the global financial community to debate and collaborate in the areas of payments, securities, cash management and trade.

    Over 10,000 participants from more than 150 countries and regions have gathered for Sibos 2024, which covers a wide range of topics, including payments, digital assets, trade financing, artificial intelligence and sustainable finance.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Green action plan for BREP members

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Energy ministers from across the world spoke highly of China’s role in promoting global energy transition and helping developing countries access more affordable clean energies at the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference which concluded on Thursday in Qingdao, Shandong province.

    “Creative cooperation with China and initiatives like the Belt and Road Energy Partnership will help us boost our drive toward energy transition across the world,” said Phiona Nyamutoro, minister of state for mineral development in Uganda. “We hope that we get to tap into many opportunities from China, like technological transfer, research and also green financing.”

    BREP was initiated by China’s National Energy Administration and currently has 34 members. It supports countries in formulating more ambitious green energy development plans based on their own energy endowments and development needs, to continuously enhance the reliability and resilience of green energy supplies.

    Iran became a new member this year and in an interview with China Daily, Iranian Minister of Energy Abbas Aliabadi expressed expectations for BREP to have a positive impact on global energy cooperation and promote global development through innovative approaches.

    “Such a collaborative platform to promote cooperation among different countries is beneficial to all parties. I am very pleased with initiatives like those from China, where different countries can raise their issues on this platform and work together to address them,” he said. “China serves as a great example in energy transition, with significant developments in renewable energy that have made substantial contributions to global carbon reduction efforts.”

    Keo Rottanak, Cambodia’s minister of mines and energy, said “Cambodia and China have forged a very strong bilateral relationship, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative which has given benefits to countries around the world, especially developing countries.”

    The Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation Action Plan (2024-29), released on Wednesday at the conference, advocated that BREP members will carry out no less than five joint research and development projects and no less than five collaborations in areas such as hydrogen energy, new types of energy storage, advanced nuclear power, carbon capture, utilization and storage.

    In the next five years, BREP members will carry out no less than 25 capacity-building projects in the energy sector, and explore the establishment of an international cooperative research platform for clean energy, the action plan noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Coca‑Cola reports rising revenue in Q3

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Coca-Cola Company reported its third-quarter earnings results Wednesday, with the revenue reaching 11.85 billion U.S. dollars, exceeding the estimate of 11.61 billion U.S. dollars.

    The company’s operating income reached 2.51 billion U.S. dollars, and its net income reached 2.85 billion U.S. dollars. Comparable earnings per share grew 5 percent to 0.77 U.S. dollars, beating estimates.

    “Our business continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of a dynamic external environment,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.

    In terms of categories, sales of sparkling soft drinks and trademark Coca-Cola were steady. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar grew 11 percent, and tea grew 7 percent, driven by growth in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    Quincey mentioned the growth potential of the Chinese market, reaffirming the company’s long-term confidence in its prospects. He also stated that the company will continue to invest to seize future growth opportunities.

    In recent years, Coca-Cola China has actively expanded its presence across various regional markets in the Chinese mainland, with a particular focus on deepening its development in the South China market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Platform focuses on inclusivity

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Project mBridge — a platform for experimenting with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) including the e-CNY for cross-border payments — is open to cooperation with traditional payment infrastructure and any US dollar usage, said officials and experts close to the matter.

    They said mBridge primarily focuses on small-value transactions under the current account that have been underserved by banks, aiming at improving the efficiency and inclusiveness of global monetary and payment systems while facilitating cross-border trade and investment, especially among Asia’s emerging economies.

    Lu Lei, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, said that a CBDC system should not only be interoperable with other CBDC systems, but also with traditional payment systems and other financial market infrastructure modalities, and both are achievable by mBridge.

    “We must avoid new cross-border payment frictions while removing existing ones,” Lu said while addressing a Financial Street Forum event on Wednesday, titled Project mBridge: Bridging Global Economies with CBDCs.

    Lu said that mBridge should step up addressing urgent pain points regarding cross-border payments that are undersupplied by banks — in particular payments in cross-border e-commerce and remittances — due to their small values and high costs.

    Project mBridge resulted from collaboration beginning in 2021 between the Bank for International Settlements’ innovation arm, the Bank of Thailand, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, the Digital Currency Institute of the PBOC and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The project aims to tackle inefficiencies in cross-border payments with new technologies.

    Echoing Lu’s remarks, an expert who requested anonymity told China Daily that mBridge is “compatible and inclusive” and is open to be connected with traditional payment systems, including large-value, small-value and rapid payment systems, as well as existing international payment infrastructures.

    “Project mBridge represents a new technological approach. It is inclusive and does not rule out cooperation with anyone,” the expert said.

    The project reached the minimum viable product (MVP) stage in June, inviting private sector firms to propose new solutions and use cases that help develop the platform. The Saudi Central Bank joined mBridge as a participant of the MVP platform in June.

    Among the mBridge participating economies, China, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are also BRICS members.

    Lu said the transaction value of mBridge has been growing steadily over the past few months, a telling sign of market confidence in the platform, without giving specific figures.

    In terms of geographical coverage, Lu said mBridge may deepen collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Belt and Road economies, as these economies have close trade ties and stable geopolitical conditions, while cross-border payments and currency services may be underserved.

    “Project mBridge, as a public good, may have a role to play in strengthening collaboration among them and thus facilitate the sound development of the international monetary and payment system,” Lu said.

    Citing the views that mBridge may impede the reputation and usage of the US dollars, Zhou Xiaochuan, vice-chairman of Boao Forum for Asia and a former governor of the PBOC, said that mBridge is primarily aimed at filling in gaps in the international payment system.

    Project mBridge does not exclude US dollar usage, Zhou said at the same event as Lu, adding that relevant developments would depend on efficiency, cost, security and user choice.

    The greenback and other “hard currencies” have been traditionally used in cross-border payments, which cannot fully satisfy demand in Asia in recent years amid the region’s fast development of interconnections, giving rise to the growth of mBridge and other platforms to facilitate cross-border payments within the region, according to Zhou.

    Zhou said that mBridge should first facilitate the payments and settlements of current account transactions, especially small-amount ones, aligning with the demand of Asian economies in terms of economic, trade and travel development.

    As for some opinions that mBridge might have a substitutional relationship with financial telecommunication infrastructure Swift, Zhou said he deems mBridge more as a cross-border payment system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Singaporean firms eye broader cooperation with China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Workers get the venue ready for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A delegation of nearly 400 representatives from 44 Singaporean businesses will attend China’s upcoming landmark import expo in a bid to seek stronger and high-quality partnerships in both traditional and new sectors.

    Among the participating exhibitors for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), 70 percent are repeat exhibitors, according to the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the delegation’s organizer. This will be the seventh year for the SBF’s delegation to participate in the CIIE.

    The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, with participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations.

    CIIE remains a critical platform for Singapore’s businesses in the Chinese market, said SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon.

    With a total exhibition area of close to 912 square meters, the Singapore Pavilion, which spans across the Consumer Goods Hall, Food & Agricultural Products Hall and Trade in Services Hall, will see Singapore companies showcase a wider range of innovative, high-quality, and reliable products and services.

    The Singapore-China Trade and Investment Forum will also be held on the sidelines of the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, according to the SBF.

    China has been Singapore’s largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years. Singapore is the second-largest source of foreign investment for China and the top destination for Chinese overseas investment.

    According to the SBF National Business Survey 2023/2024, China is one of the top three countries that Singapore businesses have a presence in and is among the top three countries in Asia that Singapore businesses are looking to expand into.

    “We are committed to supporting Singapore companies in furthering their businesses in China, while boosting innovation and ensuring sustained growth through stronger bilateral partnerships,” Kok said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cambodia, China-ASEAN Information Harbor sign MoU to boost digital infrastructure, economy

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Cambodia and the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. (CAIH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and digital economy, said a news release on Thursday.

    The deal was inked in Phnom Penh on Wednesday between Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) and the CAIH under the presence of MISTI’s Undersecretary of State Hul Seingheng.

    The MoU marks a significant step for Cambodia towards enhancing technological innovation and connectivity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the news release said.

    “This agreement aims to leverage advanced digital infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to promote economic development and improve quality of life across the region,” the news release said.

    Seingheng said the partnership builds on years of collaboration, which gained momentum after a MISTI delegation visited the CAIH in June 2024 and that the visit laid the groundwork for this formalized agreement.

    “This agreement is another milestone in our efforts to enhance digital cooperation and strengthen Cambodia’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem,” he said.

    “It aims to increase digital connectivity and the exchange of expertise that will benefit both Cambodia and the ASEAN region,” he added.

    Leveraging CAIH’s skills in the digital economy, intelligent interconnection, and data interoperability, the MoU highlights key areas of collaboration, including advanced digital infrastructure, digital economy, and knowledge sharing.

    “Both parties will focus on sectors such as healthcare and tourism, utilizing digital technologies to spur economic growth and elevate living standards,” the news release said.

    Kong Mengke, deputy general manager of CAIH International, expressed enthusiasm for the MoU’s potential.

    “To implement these areas of cooperation, we propose to prioritize the development of a digital government. The next step will be to create a smart governance platform,” he said.

    “We strive to be a ‘super-connector’ of industries, resources, and customers, positioning ourselves as enablers of digital transformation and leaders of the Digital Silk Road,” he said.

    According to the news release, the CAIH is a digital tech company approved by China’s State Council in 2016 in line with the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Its mission is to build and operate the Digital Silk Road and Digital Guangxi, promoting closer ties between China and ASEAN and supporting the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, it said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Plant elicitors – a vaccine for plants? (BDIS)

    Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Plant elicitors – a vaccine for plants? (BDIS)

    Plant elicitors have huge potential to help protect New Zealand crops from disease. Acting much like a vaccine, these elicitors allow plants to defend themselves better against disease. Coming from a biological source like seaweed, they offer a more ecologically friendly crop protection option, too.
    This week James Sainsbury from our Ruakura site speaks to Dr Joel Vanneste about his research on the recently Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-funded, 5-year project on plant elicitors led by Dr Marie Magnuson and Chris Glasson from Waikato University. Listen along to learn more about plant elicitors and how they could help manage plant diseases, whether in crops or our native trees. To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, please go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Op Huia: Police Recover Critical Evidence in relation to Baby Ru’s death

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    As a result of new information, Police investigating the murder of Baby Ru have completed a targeted search in a semi-rural area north of Wellington.

    The concentrated area along Moonshine Road, off State Highway 58, is 20 minutes by car from the Taita home where Ru lived and received the injuries that caused his death on 22 October 2023.

    Items of property highly relevant to the homicide investigation were located during the search and are undergoing forensic examination. 

    Police are not in a position to say exactly what the new information was, but Detective Inspector Pritchard confirmed it did not come from the public.

    “This was information that wasn’t available when Ru died.

    “Part of that work included searching for items that have been deliberately concealed.”

    Detective Inspector Pritchard said Police hope the latest development jogs people’s memory, especially those on Moonshine Road.

    Police are also appealing for sightings of the vehicle that shuttled items from the crime scene.

    “Our message to them is please contact us if you saw something out of place on 22 October last year.” 

    That car is a grey-green 1994 Nissan Sentra, registration TE6972.

    Anyone who has information that may help the investigation is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 231022/1708.

    Information can also be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Extending the “1+” mechanism to all new drugs on November 1

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Extending the “1+” mechanism to all new drugs on November 1
    Extending the “1+” mechanism to all new drugs on November 1
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         The Department of Health (DH) today (October 25) said that according to measures announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the “1+” mechanism will extend to all new drugs, including vaccines and advanced therapy products, on November 1, 2024, facilitating good drugs for use in Hong Kong. Extending the “1+” mechanism will attract more new drugs from different parts of the world seeking approval for registration in Hong Kong, giving patients more choices and further strengthening the local capacity for drug evaluation while enhancing the development of relevant software, hardware and expertise with a view to progressing towards “primary evaluation”. The Government will complement technological innovation with institutional innovation, developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.     Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), pharmaceutical products must satisfy the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality and be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold or supplied in Hong Kong. According to the “1+” mechanism that came into effect on November 1 last year, new drugs used for the treatment of life-threatening or severely debilitating diseases that are supported by local clinical data and whose scope of application is recognised by local relevant experts are required to submit approval from one reference drug regulatory authority (instead of two in the past) for application for registration in Hong Kong. The “1+” mechanism will be extended on November 1, applicable to applications for registration of all new drugs.     The DH has announced on its relevant website the arrangement for extending the “1+” mechanism to all new drugs and issued letters to notify relevant stakeholders (including relevant pharmaceutical associations and holders of certificates of drug registration) about the extension measure and relevant details of the “1+” mechanism. For further details, please refer to the Drug Office’s website. The DH will also introduce consultation service for new drug applications under the “1+” mechanism in the first quarter of 2025 to enhance efficiency in processing relevant applications.     Since the implementation of the “1+” mechanism, the DH has received more than 260 enquiries from over 80 pharmaceutical companies, including those from overseas and the Mainland. A total of five new drugs have been approved under this mechanism. These included two new drugs for treating metastatic colorectal cancer, one for treating paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, and two new drugs for treating hypercalcaemia in patients with parathyroid carcinoma and in certain patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, bringing new hope for treatment to patients.     The first two new drugs approved under the “1+” mechanism for treating metastatic colorectal cancer have been listed under the category of “Special Drug” on the Hospital Authority (HA) Drug Formulary. Patients prescribed these two drugs under specified clinical applications are only required to pay standard fees and charges, which are substantially subsidised, greatly alleviating their financial burden. The HA will encourage drug manufacturers or suppliers to apply for local registration of unregistered drugs with ongoing needs and continue to liaise closely with the DH regarding the “1+” mechanism.     The Policy Address also announced other measures to expedite the reform of the approval mechanism of drugs. These include putting forward a timetable for establishing the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and charting a roadmap towards “primary evaluation” in the first half of 2025, as well as formulating strategies and measures to facilitate research and development of medical products.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 12:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Media Statement of the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA)

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    The Eleventh ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) Meeting and the AMCA Meetings with Dialogue Partners, including the ASEAN Plus Three, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, were held on 24 October 2024, in Melaka, Malaysia. Timor-Leste was in attendance as observer.The theme of the 11th AMCA was “Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Unity in Diversity” underlined the pivotal role of culture and the arts in promoting sustainable and inclusive development towards strengthening ASEAN’s solidarity.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Joint Media Statement of the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children welcomes announcement of remodelled Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme

    Source: Save the Children

    Child rights organisation Save the Children has welcomed the announcement of the remodelled Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme, along with the extended investment to deliver to eligible Early Childhood Centres.
    The new model will continue to provide free healthy school lunches to 242,000 primary and secondary students and an additional 10,000 preschoolers.
    Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey, who was part of the Expert Advisory Group for the remodelled programme in her independent capacity, says the extension into ECEs is a welcome addition to the vital programme that improves outcomes for children, as is including children’s views.
    “It is heartening to see in the new programme that hot meals continue to feature and include a favourite, Butter Chicken. It is incredibly positive that though the budget for the programme is much tighter, the new suppliers under the School Lunch Collective have committed to quality, nutritious meals that children will enjoy.”
    In a Save the Children survey conducted earlier this year with more than 3000 children across the country, Kiwi kids unanimously supported providing children with healthy and delicious lunches at school. In the survey, children said the programme was important to them and their friends, with some children stating that they didn’t have a lot of food at home and their lunches at school were really important to them.
    Says Ms Southey: “Children are most impacted by changes to the programme so ensuring their voices were heard as part of the redesign was crucial. Continuing to consult with children on a regular basis is essential to ensure the programme works best for them.”
    Save the Children has long been a supporter of food in school provision, and has seen the success of similar programmes in overseas projects.
    Says Ms Southey: “These insights directly align with the findings of evaluations of the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme here in Aotearoa New Zealand that show that the programme directly improves the wellbeing of children receiving the lunches, and teachers report improved concentration and positive behaviours of their students. A number of principals have credited the programme with improved attendance levels in their schools.
    “Ensuring the best for children has remained at the heart of the redesign of the new model. The Government has committed to funding this programme for the next two years, providing crucial investment toward the wellbeing of children and that supports them and their whānau in this very tough economic climate.
    “We call on New Zealand governments now, and in the future, to get behind this important programme and ensure that it has long term sustainable investment that will see it become permanently embedded as part of a progressive education offering delivered by New Zealand schools.”
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Commercial jet boat driver sentenced for operating dangerously on a popular South Island river

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The need for commercial jet boat operators to have a safety first approach to the routes they take has been highlighted in the prosecution of a driver.
    Today, Patrick Perkins was sentenced in the District Court at Queenstown following a guilty plea for operating a jet boat in a manner which caused unnecessary danger or risk to other persons or property under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994.
    The charge related to an incident on 30 December, 2022 when Mr Perkins’s jet boat collided with a recreational jet boat on the Clutha River during a commercial run with four passengers on-board. Mr Perkins was the sole director and driver for Go Jets Wanaka Ltd.
    Recreational users of the Clutha are many and varied, from rafts of all types, tyre tubes, kayakers, bathers and recreational jet boaters. The river is close to a large population and easily accessed by all, meaning collisions like this can have devastating outcomes.
    Investigation’s Manager at Maritime NZ, John Maxwell says experts views are that the Clutha is generally not a difficult river to boat.
    “It is predominately a wide deep river with a fast current. It has pressure waves which are best avoided for reasons of passenger comfort and safety, however these hazards can easily be navigated around,” he says.
    Like all rivers in New Zealand, skippers must keep right, if going upstream must give way to vessels coming downstream. In addition, skippers must operate vessels in a manner that is safe and will avoid collision should the risk of collision arise.
    In this case, the driver of the recreational jet boat had spent most of the day parked up downstream to an island in the middle of the river fishing. A spot he regularly went to.
    As the commercial jet boat with four passengers on-board approached the island, where the recreational vessel was waiting, it cut across the river to do a close pass of a rock just downstream of the island.
    “Due to the line, Mr Perkins was unable to see the recreational craft at the head of the island. Despite attempting to take action to avoid collision, the commercial boat struck the recreational craft at about 65 kilometres an hour.
    Fortunately the driver of the recreational jet boat survived, however, he suffered significant injuries and was in hospital for a prolonged period.
    “This incident is a strong reminder to everyone driving jet boats, commercial and recreational, to understand their surroundings, to drive safe lines and to open up corners to ensure visibility. The consequences of failing to do so can be catastrophic for all involved.
    “Everyone deserves to come home safe from a day out on the water,” John Maxwell says.
    Sentencing notes:
    Mr Perkins and convicted and sentenced for one charge under s 65(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994.
    The total sentence of $51,727.41:
    – Fine: $4,950 (starting point of $9,000 reduced by 45 per cent to allow for early guilty plea, remorse, payment of reparation and good character).
    – Total reparation of $46,777.41 (which had been paid by Mr Perkins ahead of sentencing). 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #13

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency will continue to monitor the Whangamarino wetland fire through the long weekend.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says the fire has now been under control for two full days with no significant flareups.
    “There will still be some fire activity at the site for the foreseeable future.
    “People may still see smoke in the area due to the nature of where this fire is burning underground. People should not be alarmed by this.”
    Friday’s operations saw helicopters and ground crews dampening down the 16 hotspots identified by the drone crew overnight.
    Crews will be in attendance through the long weekend, with air operations supporting as needed.
    There will be no further updates this weekend unless significant developments occur. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: South Korea insurance industry to surpass $191 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    South Korea insurance industry to surpass $191 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Insurance

    South Korea’s insurance industry is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from KRW 218.3 trillion ($167.1 billion) in 2025 to KRW 249.7 trillion ($191.2 billion) in 2029, in terms of direct written premiums (DWP), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Insurance Database reveals that the insurance industry in South Korea is expected to grow by 1.2% in 2024, supported by changing demographics that will lead to an increase in demand for health and retirement pensions products.

    Sneha Verma, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The South Korean insurance industry contracted by 7.5% in 2023 due to slower economic growth which impacted the demand for life insurance products. The growth is expected to bounce back in 2024, supported by a recovery in economy and increase in ageing population.”

    Life insurance and pension is the leading segment in the South Korean insurance industry and is expected to account for an 84% share of the premiums in 2024. After declining by 9.3% in 2023, the life insurance segment is expected to grow by 0.5% in 2024, driven by changing demographic factors, which will drive the demand for health and annuity products. Life insurance and pension is expected to grow at CAGR of 3.1% during 2025-29.

    South Korea is rapidly changing into a super-ageing society. Higher life expectancy and low fertility rates are adding significant pressure on the working age population. As per the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the share of people aged 65 years and above reached 18.4% in 2023. It is expected to increase sharply and reach 39.4% by 2050, which will support the demand for life insurance.

    Sneha adds: “Increased awareness about health and financial planning will also support life insurance growth in South Korea. The demand for health insurance is increasing due to rising cases of life-threatening diseases. According to the Central Dementia Center of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of dementia cases have increased significantly, and one dementia patient is being identified every 12 minutes.”

    General insurance will account for the remaining 16% share of the DWP in 2024. The segment is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2024 as compared to 4.1% growth in 2023, driven by compulsory lines and increased awareness for liability protection, leading to higher demand for liability insurance products.

    Motor insurance, which is the leading line of business in the general insurance segment, is expected to witness a flat growth in 2024, due to declining vehicle sales. According to Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA), domestic sales decreased by 10.1% to 8,00,000 units in the first half of 2024 compared to 8,90,000 units during the same period in 2023. Weak consumer sentiment driven by economic slowdown and high interest rates have slowed down the sales for new vehicles.

    South Korea is also prone to frequent natural-catastrophic (nat-cat) events, which will support the demand for policies covering fire and natural hazards. As per the National Fire Information System, South Korea has faced 30,316 incidents of fire accidents with a total loss of KRW589.9 billion ($456 million) till October 2024. General insurance is expected to grow at CAGR of 5.1% from 2025-29.

    Sneha concludes: “The South Korean insurance industry is set to experience steady growth over the next five years, with demographic changes driving the demand for life and health insurance. Products catering to the growing needs of a rapidly aging population are expected to be a focus area for insurers over the coming years.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Results of Underwriting Auctions Conducted on October 25, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auctions conducted on October 25, 2024, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    (₹ crore)
    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted Total Amount underwritten ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (paise per ₹100)
    6.79% GS 2034 22,000 11,004 10,996 22,000 0.05
    7.46% GS 2073 10,000 5,019 4,981 10,000 0.09
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on October 25, 2024.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1368

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police increase visibility across Auckland transport hubs

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have increased visibility at transport hubs across Tāmaki Makaurau following the fatal Onehunga bus attack and will continue with this increased presence over the long weekend.

    Auckland City Acting District Commander Sunny Patel says it’s important the public knows that Police are continuing to take action.

    “It’s understandable the community are feeling shaken. We want to provide reassurance heading into the long weekend that we will have an ongoing presence around public transport.

    “Our beat teams will also maintain their presence in and around key public spaces.

    “Our city and transport system are important spaces for the public, and people should be free to use these areas without fear.

    “Police and partner agencies will be focused on ensuring these hubs are places where the public and commuters can be safe and feel safe.”

    Police continue to encourage the public to report incidents that may be unfolding so appropriate action can be taken.

    “If an incident is happening now, I urge people to report it to 111 as soon as they can.”

    Information can also be provided to Police by making an online report at 105.police.govt.nz using “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –